Electric blanket warning after flat blaze

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has issued advice after an electric blanket caused a fire in Chichester

A Chichester flat blaze has highlighted the importance of taking extra care while using electric blankets, a fire service has said.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) has issued advice after a blanket overheated and ignited a blow-up bed.

Crews extinguished the fire in a first-floor bedroom in Baxendale Road on 5 January.

WSFRS praised the flat's residents for limiting damage by shutting their internal doors after hearing their smoke alarm go off.

The people in the flat safely escaped and firefighters extinguished the flames.

Anton Mezzone, Chichester fire station manager, said: "Firstly, they had working smoke alarms, they then closed the doors and swiftly left the property. By following this advice, the damage caused by this fire was kept to a minimum.

"We always recommend closing internal doors at night or when leaving the house, as this can prevent the spread of a fire and toxic fumes by up to 20 minutes."

The damage was mostly limited to the room where the fire started thanks to the residents' actions

Because of the residents' actions, 90% of the smoke damage was limited to the bedroom where the fire started, WSFRS said.

Mr Mezzone added: "Not only does this incident highlight the importance of keeping doors closed, but it also raises awareness of keeping heating appliances away from flammable materials.

"While electric blankets don't use naked flames, the risk of fire is still present."